Martin Endjala
A group of Zimbabwean citizens living in Namibia, under the banner Zimbabwe Citizens Against Sanctions, submitted a petition to the embassy of the United States in Windhoek on Monday in which they demand the immediate lifting of sanctions imposed on their country by the USA.
The action coincides with the Southern African Development Community’s (SADC) Anti-Sanctions Day, observed on 25 October during which the severe economic and humanitarian impacts caused by the sanctions are emphasised.
Arthur Makarutse, the chairman of the Zimbabwe Citizens Against Sanctions group, argued that the sanctions have led to high unemployment, surpassing 80%, causing immense suffering to citizens’ livelihoods and well-being.
“We hereby request the immediate lifting of these sanctions, which violate Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and contravene the international law. As we might be aware, sanctions can only be imposed on a country if the security council under the United Nations Charter sanctions. But this sanction imposed on Zimbabwe was not ratified by the UN,” he said.
The group argues that the sanctions imposed by the USA, the European Union and their allies are illegal as they were not endorsed by the UN Security Council.
The Zimbabweans called for the immediate lifting of sanctions, a dialogue between the US and Zimbabwe, restoration of financial access and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
The sanctions were imposed in 2021 under the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Act (ZDERA), aimed at promoting human rights and democratic practices.
ZDERA restricted that country’s access to global financial institutions like the World Bank and the IMF, critical to economic recovery and development, for over two decades.
Makarutse said these sanctions have severely affected ordinary Zimbabweans as it failed to achieve the intended political reforms while causing immense economic and social suffering, economic strains and restricted international support.
“In 2023, Zimbabwe alone reportedly lost over USD 150 billion due to the sanctions. Deteriorating service has impacted Zimbabwe’s healthcare, education, and infrastructure,” he stated.
He said schools struggled to remain open, public infrastructure is deteriorating rapidly and loss of investment has been impacted due to sanctions imposed on investors crippling that country’s industrialisation aspirations.
He said the current sanctions have exacerbated the hardships of many residents of the country, including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Makarutse urged the US government through the Ambassador of America to Namibia to lift all sanctions, as they have deepened poverty and impeded progress.
“It’s time to recognise the effectiveness and end the unconditional, illegally imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe. We also need to reengage. Our President has already said that those who think we are enemies we are enemies to none and we are ready to engage,” he said.
The group believes that the sanctions are unjust and harmful to ordinary citizens, as they have worsened economic hardship and led to a humanitarian crisis.
The group is calling on the USA to engage its upcoming government to relook into the matter and lift the sanctions.
“We as Zimbabwean citizens have come to you to submit our petition because we know that 5 November is the election. So that the new incoming administration may have a look again into the ZDERA,” he said.
Michael LaRocque, the political officer at the US Embassy in Namibia, received the petition on behalf of the ambassador.
